Anelka's punishment has been widely condemned as too lenient, although the FA have confirmed they will not appeal the ban as they feel there is little chance of success.

Now Anelka has announced his decision to leave the Hawthorns with immediate effect in order to "maintain his integrity".

"Following discussions between the club and I, there was a proposal made that I would be re-integrated into the squad under certain conditions that I can't accept," he wrote on Twitter.

"Wishing to maintain my integrity, I have therefore decided to free myself and put an end to my contract that ties me to WBA until 2014 as of now."

However, West Brom released a statement denying the striker had officially left the club.

"The club notes Nicolas Anelka’s comments on Twitter this evening [Friday]," the statement reads. "However, the club has received nothing formally regarding the termination of Nicolas Anelka’s contract from either him or his advisers.

"The club regards the release of such a statement on Social Media as highly unprofessional and will make a further statement when appropriate."